A Dizzying Balance

by Harriet E Rich

  She recognized one painting immediately. It was not as large as the one hanging in her room and the colors were different but the same stylized blooms, sized to fit the smaller canvas, had definitely been painted by the same hand.

  Of all the pieces, her favorite was a large painting done in oil of the esplanade at Venice Beach. The point of view was angled so that the line of pavement and buildings ran away to the right and the ocean filled the distance to the left and beyond. The background spoke of action – a child with a kite, a jogger, bicycles and running dogs – while the left foreground held two lovers, standing in stillness, their arms wrapped around each other, heads together. The artist had worked in a hazy impressionistic style and the figures had been painted in such a way that it was left to the observer to choose whether the lovers were a man and a woman – or not.

  “By the way, that one over there was Jennette’s donation if anyone should mention it to you.” Rick had returned and was standing beside her. “What do you think of this one?”

  “I love it,” she said simply.

  “The artist is a young man named Rafael Jefferson who’s been painting since he was old enough to shine shoes after school in order to buy art supplies. He was almost entirely self-taught until one of Danni’s friends helped him get an art scholarship.”

  “His work is excellent. This is the piece I like the best.”

  “And what’s your second choice?”

  “The Colby, of course,” she grinned, “since I’m the one who chose it. Am I ever going to hear about that falling light? And what about lunch?”

  * * *

  While Rick waited patiently for a car to pull out of the only available space for blocks, Jen reached into the back seat for her sunglasses and a floppy hat.

  “Camouflage. The last thing we need right now is my being recognized by some nosy reporter.” She smoothed her hair over her ears, tucked it up at the back and pulled the wide brim down over her forehead. With the glasses on, she flipped open the visor mirror. “I look like Mata Hari, sophisticated spy.”

  He gave her figure a sweeping look of approval. “Yes, you’re nicely past the Nancy Drew, girl sleuth stage.”

  “I was not fishing for a compliment.” She yanked at the hat to hide her smile. “And you’ll lose that space if you’re not careful.”

  The restaurant was on a narrow side street. Rick led her to a booth at the rear and seated her so that her back was to the room. Looking over the menu, he offered her just a simple salad for lunch and she threatened to take back the keys and leave him to walk to his Jeep.

  They ordered hamburgers, his with bacon and a slice of onion, hers with avocado and sprouts. And he asked the waitress to bring two of the largest non-diet sodas she could find. As they ate, he told her what he had discovered at the studio.

  “It happened a couple of weeks before the cabin exploded. Anna’s teacher had asked several parents if the class could tour their places of business ‘to see what Daddy and Mommy do at work’ as she’d explained it. Jennette arranged that the small studio, what do they call it? Harry?” He shook his head. “Talk about weird!”

  “Yes. Colleen told me that when she first started working at SailingStar, they were thinking of calling the stages Larry, Curly and Moe. She worked on the stunt crew, and her boss at the time was nicknamed Curly because he was as bald as an egg and he complained. He threatened to walk out and take his entire crew with him unless they came up with something else.”

  “I should think he would have been pleased,” Rick grinned. “Not every Tom, Dick and Harry can be named Curly, you know.”

  Jen groaned. “Back to the story, please.”

  “Okay, okay. It had been decided that nothing important was to be scheduled for Harry so that Jennette could give a little talk to the children, then let them watch while a short scene was filmed.”

  “You mean everyone knew ahead of time that she was going to be there that day.”

  “Right. She set it up for a Friday at the end of the school day so David and Brad could pick them up. Anna stayed with her after the tour ended because they were all going on to Danni’s for the weekend. Tony had been showing some of the kids how to put on stage make-up, and Aaron and Colleen were explaining to the rest how various special effects are done.”

  “Nikki?”

  “She was one of the actors that Jennette had hired to play the scene.”

  “But Thelma wasn’t there.”

  “No.” He took a big bite of hamburger and reached for a napkin, “and before you ask, I was in town, but I wasn’t anywhere near the studio. I left that morning for a trip down to Baja. By the time I got back, they must have forgotten about it because no one mentioned it to me.” His voice was very matter of fact.

  Jen gave him a searching look, then continued. “On the issue of opportunity, Thelma seems to be the only one we can exclude. What happened?”

  “The class had left, but everyone else was milling around the stage area talking. One of the crew told me that Jennette and Anna were standing next to a table on the set, a little away from the others, when he heard a kind of metallic sound above – that was the best description he could give me – and he saw something moving. He pointed and yelled, everyone looked up, Nikki screamed, Colleen grabbed Anna, and Jennette jumped aside just as one of the big lights came crashing down.”

  “I figured that it had to have happened something like that, but hearing it described makes it a whole lot harder to think about.”

  Rick nodded. “Someone who was there on the stage must have planned it so that the light would fall when Jennette and Anna were directly beneath it. Maybe a remote control.”

  Jen was silent for a while. “What if it wasn’t planned? It could have been simply an accident that fortunately caused no harm, but it may have given someone the idea. If that were the case …” She paused and Rick finished the thought.

  “… then we can’t exclude Thelma, and we’re right back where we started.”

  * * *

  Late that afternoon, Jen decided that it was time to go shopping and told Colleen that she’d be out of the office all the next day. She had a closet full of gowns, any of which would have been more than appropriate for the Museum benefit, but she wanted something special.

  It had been a long time since she’d had the luxury of wandering in and out of dress shops, seeing the latest styles and trying on clothes without the press of work to hurry her, but the morning flew as she went from store to store considering several dresses only to reject each one for this or that reason. When she finally found the right gown, its price took her breath away but if she only wore it once, it would be worth it. With matching shoes and jewelry, the outfit was perfect.

  As she carried her purchases up the back steps, Betsy hurried out of the breakfast room to hold the door for her.

  “Miss Colson, it’s a little late for lunch but I can make you a salad if you’d like.”

  “No, I’ve already eaten, thanks.”

  “I love to go shopping.”

  “Well, it’s not something I do often but I have to say that even considering how much my feet hurt, I did enjoy myself this morning.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot. Mrs. Ackerman called to say that the pictures from Anna’s party were ready and Miguel went down to collect them.”

  “The pictures, wonderful!”

  “They’re on the hall table. Let me get them for you. You’re certainly loaded down.” Betsy slipped the packet of photos into one of Jen’s bags. “I’ll carry these for you.”

  “No, I can get them. Would it be too much trouble for you to bring a cup of tea up to my room?”

  “Not at all. I’ll have it ready in just a few minutes.”

  Jen hung up her gown then pulled out the packet. She sat at the table by the window, flipping through the photos. Danni had made extra prints of the one of David in his party hat and Jen smiled as she crossed the room to slip one into the drawer of the writing desk. Even if he manage
d to sneak all of the others out of the stack, she’d still have this one. The only one of Roger in his hat had Danni’s writing on the back and Jen chuckled as she read. --- I’ve stashed three copies away, and the kids and I are planning a prank. ---

  Roger had done a good job. Almost all of the pictures were not just good but excellent, and the collection would make a lovely album for Anna. But she set one particular one aside as she gathered the others back into the envelope. It was a close-up of Anna holding the puppy and smiling into the camera. The strawberry highlights of her long blond hair shone from a light behind her, forming a halo, and the puppy’s head was turned so that she could see his brows and beard. But it needs to be bigger, she studied it, without the clutter behind. And Mugsy’s black and silver are lost against the dark of her dress. She could see it in her mind. Tucking the photo into the pocket of her jacket, she walked quickly to pull open the door.

  “Oh, you startled me, Miss Colson.” Betsy was standing in the hall with the tea tray.

  “Sorry,” Jen laughed. “In too much of a hurry, I guess. Just put it inside.”

  Anna’s sitting room was empty as she went in to search for the drawing pad and colored pencils that had been Rick’s gift to her. Carrying them back to her room, she looked again at the photo and smiling happily, spent the rest of the afternoon sketching as the bright sun swung across the sky and the tea sat forgotten on the table.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The gown was the green of her eyes, made of a soft material that shimmered as she moved, throwing off tiny glints of rust and gold that complimented her hair. The bodice was simple with a neckline straight from shoulder to shoulder, the back hung with a curved drape of the same shimmering green. The long skirt, falling to a kick pleat behind her green sandaled heels, was slimly sophisticated enough to satisfy Danni’s request for elegance but full enough to allow her to sit.

  For the evening, she was wearing her page boy pushed back on one side to frame a stunning gold earring intricately worked in the shape of a leaf. It was set with green and rust stones and swept upward in a curve across her ear from below the lobe to above the tiny hidden hook that held it in place at the top. She wore no other jewelry except a diamond on a fine gold chain and her wedding rings.

  When she was ready, she picked up her evening bag and went to Anna’s room to show off her finery only to find Rick, handsome in his tuxedo, sitting at the table with Ellen and Anna, sketching.

  “It’s a goddess come to visit us,” he said with an appreciative gleam.

  “You’re beautiful, Mommy.”

  “Yes, Miss Colson, you look lovely.”

  “Thank you for those kind words but Danni will be my harshest critic. Do you think I will pass inspection?”

  “Absolutely, Jen. You will shine above all of the merely mortal women.”

  “What’s mortal, Uncle Rick?”

  “Never mind, munchkin,” he laughed. “I just meant that she’ll be the prettiest lady there.”

  Anna nodded. “I think so, too.”

  Jen glanced at the sketches. “What are you drawing?”

  “Mr. Jameson was explaining how the serpent shadow effect occurs at Chichén Itzá in Mexico.”

  Seeing Jen’s puzzlement, Rick stood. “We’ll finish later, shall we? Danni will panic if any guests arrive before we do.”

  They said good night to Ellen and Anna, then walked down together. David and Adelia were in the hall and Miguel, very correct in his chauffeur’s uniform, was standing by the door.

  “Three hours of my old friends will be enough for me, Miguel, so be ready to bring me home. David, I’d like you to spend some time with the Penroses. Claire tells me that they have purchased land at Big Bear and are planning to build a ski lodge.” She looked up as Jen and Rick came down the stairs. “What has taken you so long, Jennette? I detest being late.”

  Rick drew her fire away from Jen. “We were tucking Anna in, Auntie, and we will still arrive ten minutes before Danni’s schedule for us, which is early enough as it is.”

  “I do not enjoy rushing, Richard, and I have told you not to call me that.”

  He grinned as he kissed her cheek. “I know, Auntie, it doesn’t suit your dignity.” He stepped back to look at her high-necked, long-sleeved black lace gown. She wore a small tiara, set with diamonds and jet that shone regally against her white hair, and a black lace fan hung from her wrist. “You are looking very formidable, tonight.”

  “My friends expect me to look like a dowager duchess. I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.” Her eyes held a gleam that surprised Jen as she carefully suppressed a smile. My, my. She does have a sense of humor.

  Adelia was saying, “David, if you will help me into the limousine? Richard, you are not to drive the Mercedes. You speed through the curves as if it were the Jeep.”

  “When have you even been in my Jeep?” he laughed.

  “That is not the point. Miguel, the door.”

  Their arrival was early enough to avoid any crowd but Jennette had to run the gauntlet of reporters at the curb. As David helped her out of the car, flashes went off around her. She paused so that all of the cameramen could get whatever shots they wanted. Microphones were pointed at her with questions attached.

  “How are you feeling, Miss Colson?”

  “Has your memory returned yet?

  “Is it true that you’re starting a new movie?”

  But Jen just smiled and took the opportunity to praise Danni’s work in organizing the benefit, explaining how important the fund-raiser was to the future of the museum. Then, taking David’s arm, she moved forward until the reporters were forced to fall back. Reaching the lobby, she sighed with relief. One difficult part of the evening down, several more to go.

  Roger was waiting in the lobby to greet them, saying that Danni was holding a last-minute meeting with the volunteers. “She asked me to ask you if you remembered to look over the list she gave you.”

  “Tell her not to worry. I have memorized the names of the guests and their descriptions like lines from a script. Letter-perfect and ready to start.”

  “Rick’s gone off to make sure everything is ready for the auction. David, do you want a drink beforehand?”

  “Not right now. I’ll wait here until Mother arrives.”

  Roger showed Jen the table that had been set up for her, then hurried away to find Danni.

  The three largest rooms of the museum had been decorated with baskets of flowers on tall pedestals in each corner with circles of greenery surrounding each base. A buffet and bar had been placed in the main room at one end of the long wall with an area of small tables and chairs at the other. Lines of chairs had been set up in the second room for the auction and in the small side gallery, Jen could hear a string quartet tuning their instruments.

  It wasn’t long before the caterers were holding lit tapers to wicks beneath the chafing dishes and making last minute adjustments to platters, plates and centerpiece. Volunteers were moving to their assigned places, talking quietly together. David helped Adelia to one of the comfortable chairs that had been grouped in the small room near the musicians, then returned to stand beside Jen as Danni came in with Roger and Rick. The guests began to arrive, and Jen took a deep breath. The evening had begun.

  The rooms filled quickly – women in beautiful dresses of every style and hue, men standing like elegant black-and-white exclamation points among the colorful gowns. Volunteers were walking from group to group, handing out programs and answering questions about the museum’s excellent artwork.

  In spite of Danni’s fair hair, blue eyes, and the modest blue gown she had chosen, she was looking as formidable as her mother. Her long, casual ponytail had been transformed into a crown of shining curls with little sapphires and diamonds pinned among them. High heels and the upswept hair style gave her height. Jen watched as she moved confidently around the room, smiling warmly at each new arrival, chatting comfortably with friends and strangers alike, quietly directing the sma
ll army of helpers that she had recruited. She made it look effortless while Jen, standing at David’s side, was nervous. He had said practically nothing to her on the drive to the city, and she couldn’t tell if he had been angry with her, preoccupied, or merely concentrating on the road.

  At the moment, the last group of guests they had been talking with had moved off to the buffet and they were standing alone. She glanced at him as he stared out over the room. His face was serious. A square jaw, straight nose, and the line of his brows gave his profile strong definition, but the sensual curve of his lips softened the effect, hinting at emotions held firmly in check, fires banked but burning, nevertheless.

  “You’re very handsome.” The words were out before she could call them back.

  He turned, surprised, then smiled. His eyes warmed as he looked down into hers. “And you are beautiful tonight, Jennette. The loveliest woman here.” For one brief moment, there was no one else in the room.

  Then Danni walked up with a couple in tow and Jen breathed again as David reached to shake the man’s hand.

  They were very busy for a while, talking with guests about the museum, its recent acquisitions, and its current and future financial needs. Claire Bonnington had come in and was standing with Mr. Lathrop. Her gown of tawny beige chiffon drew warmth from the smooth tan of her bare arms and shoulders, reflecting the honey of her blond hair, and Jen felt a twinge of envy knowing that beige was not a color she herself could wear.

  Through the shifting groups of guests, she saw Colleen in a simple gown of brown satin standing across the room with Tony and Aaron. Aaron, as usual, looked precise and self-assured in his immaculate tuxedo, but Jen could tell that Tony was ill at ease in his monkey suit as he had called it.

  When Colleen had mentioned it, he’d protested, saying that one of his suits would do just as well, but she and Jen had tempted him with wonderful food, excellent wine and the chance to laugh at Rick’s auctioneering, telling him he’d either have to dress up or stay home. She might not get a chance to talk with them this evening, but she could tease him about his ordeal tomorrow.